October 30th, the Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo issued a bulletin on the security situation:
As of October 28, eight provinces including Congo (DR Congo) have reported a total of 10,274 confirmed Ebola cases and 4,992 deaths.
(II) On October 21st, an armed ambush occurred near Bitale. A radio journalist was shot and killed, and two others were killed with two people suffering serious injuries.
(III) On October 24th, an armed robber attack on a civilian convoy occurred in Ikobo, resulting in the death of 2 people and the injury of 1 person.
(IV) On October 25, an armed robbery of a cash transport vehicle occurred, resulting in the death of 2 people and the injury of 1 person.
(5) On October 25th, the Gangs and Wazalendu militiamen recaptured the Rushihe highlands, which were occupied by the ‘Front for National Reconstruction’ (FRN). On the 27th, the FRN launched attacks against the Gangs and Wazalendu militiamen in the areas of Luola near Banakindi, as well as the ‘Chad Highlands’.
Currently, the security situation in Congo (DRC) is complex and severe. A new wave of Ebola infections has broken out in the eastern part of the country. The security situation in North Kivu and South Kivu has deteriorated dramatically, with ongoing violent clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels. The security situation in Ituri and Upper West African provinces is also not optimistic. Illegal armed groups such as M23, ADF, CODECO, CRP, Mai-Mai militias, and Zaire militia continue to cause trouble in provinces like North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Upper West African provinces. Violent conflicts, armed robbery, and kidnapping incidents occur from time to time. The safety risks faced by Chinese citizens in Congo remain high.
The Chinese Embassy in Congo (Kinshasa) reminds all Chinese citizens living in the Congo to pay close attention to safety issues. Chinese citizens are not allowed to travel to areas with extremely high risks of security threats, such as Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Upper West Nile provinces. Chinese citizens and businesses still residing in these areas should evacuate or move to safer locations as soon as possible. Do not travel to the following nine provinces unless it is necessary: Luaraaba, Katanga, Lower West Nile, Tanganyika, Maniema, Central Kasisheke, Sankuru, Lomami, and Upper Lomami. Enterprises and individuals engaged in gold mining activities in the Congo should report to the embassy as soon as possible (reporting website: https://www.wjx.cn/vm/mIDINTY.aspx#). Those who refuse to report their activities and insist on visiting or staying in these areas will be responsible for any consequences arising from such actions.
The Chinese Embassy in Congo (Kinshasa) reminds Chinese citizens in Congo to closely monitor the development of the Ebola epidemic, enhance their awareness of prevention, take responsibility for their own health, and strengthen personal hygiene protection. Do not travel to epidemic areas such as Ituri Province and other highly dangerous areas, reduce unnecessary outings and cross-regional movements, avoid crowded places, avoid contact with wild animals, and avoid physical contact with confirmed patients and suspected infected individuals. If you feel unwell, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly. Chinese citizens and Chinese-owned enterprises in Congo should further improve their epidemic prevention and control plans, strengthen health monitoring of personnel, and stockpile emergency supplies. Minimize gatherings, and strengthen hygiene management in offices and residences. If an epidemic occurs in your area, please cooperate with local health authorities to carry out isolation, testing, and epidemiological investigations.
Chinese citizens conducting business in the area of Kinshasa, the capital, should pay close attention to the local situation, strengthen security measures, and absolutely avoid complacency and luck-based thinking. When going out, be vigilant, stay in contact with relatives, friends, and colleagues, and take timely precautions if risks are detected. Chinese-funded institutions located in areas where security conditions have significantly deteriorated should take practical measures, continue to invest at the highest standards in security, reduce unnecessary personnel, and prepare emergency plans for adjusting production operations and personnel arrangements in case of emergencies.
Chinese citizens should be vigilant against telecom fraud. Pay extra attention when receiving unfamiliar calls to avoid being deceived.
In case of an emergency, please report to the police immediately and contact the embassy.
Congo (RDC) Police Reporting Numbers: +243-818906284, +243-816770006, +243-827205000
Foreign Affairs Ministry Global Consular Protection & Service Emergency Hotline (24 Hours): +86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308
Consulate Phone for Protection and Assistance in Congo: +243-851474669